by Jade White
I sighed as a knock rapped at the door. “Just a moment!” I called out.
Opening the door, I found my new agent, Justin. Charlie recommended him after he retired at the ripe old age of 34, the lucky bastard. I was getting on in years for my runway career but I had a baby face that allowed me to get away with it. Luckily, I had experience to back me up otherwise getting into the business would be much more difficult.
“Hello Rachel, I’m Justin,” he introduced himself.
“Come on in Justin, it’s nice to finally meet you,” I said.
“Who is that?” a little voice called from behind the doorway to Michael’s room.
I walked over and kneeled down beside Michael. “Michael, this is Justin, my agent,” I explained.
“Agent?” he asked, forming the word for the first time in his mouth.
“For work, Michael,” I said.
The little boy’s eyebrows knitted together. He pointed at Justin with his chubby fingers. “I hate him!” Michael declared.
“Michael!” I snapped, “It’s rude to point!”
Michael put his arm down and repeated himself, “I hate him.”
“That’s okay,” I said, “but it’s rude to say so.”
Michael hummed as he looked between me and Justin. Then he ran back into his room.
“Quite the energetic kid,” Justin laughed.
“Yeah, ha, he’s also got quite the attitude,” I agreed.
“I hope you’re just as energetic,” Justin winked at me.
A shiver ran up my spine, somehow that sounded really creepy to me. I laughed half-heartedly. A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in!” I called out.
“Hi Ms. Angelo, sorry I’m a little late,” the sitter said.
“No worries, you actually have perfect timing, Sam,” I smiled at the young woman. “Just let me say goodbye to Michael and the little devil is all yours.”
I walked into Michael’s room and found him playing with his toy train, making sound effects.
“Michael?”
Michael hummed under his breath.
“Mommy has to go now. Samantha is here to take care of you, so please be good.”
Michael ignored me. I couldn’t blame the kid so I just sighed and exited the room.
“Make sure he behaves himself, Sam,” I said.
Sam looked at me, startled and stepped away from Justin. She seemed extremely uncomfortable then. I wonder why?
“I’ll try my best, Ms. Angelo,” she said as her voice shook.
“Are you alright?” I asked with worry.
“She’s just tired, I’m sure,” Justin said with a smile. “Come now, or we’ll be late.”
“Okay…” I said.
Something was wrong again but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. Justin put his arm around my shoulders and guided me out the door. His hand burned into my flesh, it felt so uncomfortable. He must be the type of guy that didn’t understand physical boundaries. I grabbed his arm and unwound itself from me.
“Whoa? What’s up?” Justin asked sounding insulted.
“Nothing, just think it’d be easier to walk without your arm lying atop me,” I explained. I didn’t want to say it made me feel creeped out since that might be a bad move considering I had only just met this man.
“Alright, alright, gosh I didn’t realize you were so picky,” Justin said.
I felt a pang in my chest. Was I just being overly sensitive? “Sorry,” I apologized.
“No worries,” Justin said with a smile.
We both entered the elevator, Justin just a tad too close. Now that I looked at him more, he didn’t seem like a creepy guy. He was well groomed, short golden locks spiked up a little and well dressed. He had a sharp jaw and nose along with round cheeks. He was good looking, although definitely not my type. He seemed like a good man so it must’ve been my imagination when I felt that bad feeling in my stomach about his demeanor.
“So who's the father?” Justin asked, breaking the silence.
“Pardon?” I asked.
“Your kid, Mikey, who is the father?” Justin repeated himself.
“Michael,” I corrected, “and the father is not in my life right now.” I didn’t feel like disclosing the details so I remained unspecific.
“So you have no one in your life right now?” Justin asked.
“I have Michael, my friends, and my family,” I said.
“No man?” Justin asked with a smile.
“Don’t need one,” I said.
“Some women would disagree,” Justin said.
“Not all women, though,” I corrected.
Justin was getting on my nerves, and he was standing way too close. I could practically feel his gross breath on my neck. The elevator dinged, informing us that we had arrived at the underground parking level. I exited as fast as I possibly could.
“Where’s your car?” I asked.
“Over there,” Justin gestured towards a black vehicle.
I got into the passenger seat and tried to calm myself down. This was a guy that Charlie, my old agent, had recommended, so he can’t be that bad. He had said he hadn’t personally met the guy but all his models got really good deals so he must be a great talker.
Justin turned the key into the ignition and started the car. The black vehicle revved underneath us as he began to drive us out of the parking lot.
“So you are experienced, correct?” Justin asked.
“I’ve done a lot of shoots and runway gigs before but that was about 5 years ago,” I explained.
Justin hummed. “That’s good, it means that you’ll have an easier time getting used to the business again,” Justin said.
“Yeah,” I agreed.
The car was filled with silence. I looked out the passenger side window and fidgeted with the hem of my shirt. My heart was beating so fast and I felt the need to shake my leg. I chalked it up to nervousness since this would be my first shoot in a long time. I would finally be back in front of a camera lens in fabulous clothing.
Today’s shoot was going to be a perfume ad, which is exactly what I ended my career with so I must admit it’s funny. It wasn’t a large brand but any sort of work I could get right now, I’d take. I was lucky enough to get a photoshoot for my first gig, and I had Justin to thank for that. He must’ve pulled a couple strings to get me in since there are probably tons of amateur models younger than me that were eyeing this job.
We pulled into a parking lot outside a company building.
“It’s here,” Justin said.
I was about to get out of the car when Justin’s hand caught my arm. “Before you go in, I need to tell you, I promised the photographer a favor from you,” Justin said.
“A favor?” I asked, not liking the sound of this at all.
“Don’t worry, it’s small and I’m sure you’ve done things like this before,” Justin said.
I searched my memory, what kind of favors had I done before? I had done things like be the runner for coffee and lunch as well as helped the crew set up. That’s probably what Justin meant, not sexual favors. There’s no way that’s what he meant.
“Got it,” I said with confidence.
“Good to hear,” Justin smiled.
A shiver went up my spine again, must be my nerves.
***
I slammed the door behind me. I could still hear the man’s voice echoing in my ears. Favor? FAVOR?! I’m so glad I got out of there.
“Ms. Angelo?” Samantha called out. She appeared from behind the wall.
“Are you alright? You’re home early?” Sam asked.
“I’m- not alright, my agent tried to sell me sexually to the photographer, “I’m alright.” I sighed and put my head into my hands. “I’m just tired,” I admitted. I shuffled through my purse for my wallet and handed Samantha her money for the day. “Go home early, Samantha,” I said.
She looked up at me, concerned, but didn’t say anything else.
“F
eel better, Ms. Angelo. Call me if you need anything,” Sam said before leaving.
“Michael?” I called out.
“Mommy!” Michael returned my call.
The small boy ran from his room into my arms. “I missed you!” he exclaimed.
I smiled. “I missed you too, Michael,” I admitted. I kneeled down and gave Michael a huge hug. I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the tears from falling.
“Mom?” Michael asked.
I let him go.
“What’s wrong, baby?”
“There’s a man at the door,” he said.
I looked behind me to see Justin standing there with a horrible look on his face.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“You said you could do the favor,” Justin said.
I stood up to face Justin. “I didn’t know that’s what you meant,” I explained.
“You said you had done that sort of stuff before, not to mention you have a kid without a father so you must be some kind of slut,” Justin spat.
I looked down at Michael, “Go to your room,” but Michael shook his head.
“Hey brat! Go to your fucking room!” Justin yelled.
“Don’t talk to him like that, you bastard,” I yelled back, how dare he?!
“C’mon Rachel, you need to suck a little cock to get anywhere in the industry these days,” Justin tried to reason.
“I didn’t have to back when my agent was Charlie,” I said.
“Well, I’m not Charlie,” Justin said proudly.
“Do you pimp out all your models?” I asked.
“They do it of their own accord, the whores,” Justin said with a touch of disgust.
“You’re a disgusting pig, taking advantage of them like that,” I said.
Justin grabbed my arm, “Say that again, bitch!”
“DON’T TOUCH MOMMY!” Michael yelled.
“Michael, go to your room!” I called out.
I didn’t want Michael to see whatever was about to happen. My gaze went to my side where I knew I stashed some scissors in the tall dresser.
“Stop!” Michael yelled.
A crack of thunder and lightning boomed in the room. Michael jumped forward and tackled Justin’s leg.
“Agh!” Justin screamed.
Something smelled as if it was burning. Rain pounded at the windows and lightning flashed. Justin tried to grab Michael but the moment his hand made contact with my son’s arm he tore it away. Justin looked at his hand in what looked like pain. There was a sizzling sound that I could hear just above the storm.
“What the fuck?!” Justin yelled. He shook off Michael and ran out my door. Michael stood and began to cry. The storm began to calm, but rain continued to fall against the windows.
I stood in wonder before coming back to my senses. I quickly went to my door to close and lock it. I turned around to see Michael standing close to me. I kneeled down next to my son and hugged him.
“It’s okay,” I cooed into his ear. I rubbed his back soothingly as I felt his hot tears fall onto my blouse.
“I thought- thought- he was going to hurt- you-“Michael struggled to say between hiccups.
“You protected me. You’re such a good boy,” I said.
My mind was racing. I was trying to explain what had just happened. Why didn’t Justin just throw Michael off? There was a sizzling sound and he looked as if he was in pain. I let go of Michael to grab a hold of his hands but found them empty. I looked at my son.
“What did you do?” I asked quietly.
Michael cocked his head to the side in confusion. “I grabbed the bad man’s leg,” Michael said while wiping his tears.
“That’s all?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Michael said. “Can we play now?”
I looked towards the door, then back to Michael. We couldn’t stay here; it was dangerous. It’d be best if we went to my Auntie’s place for a little bit while I filed a police report. Those poor women Justin had taken advantage of… it was so horrible.
“Not right now, love. We need to go.” I said.
“Why?” Michael asked.
“The bad man might come back so we need to go to Great Auntie’s place,” I explained hoping that Michael would understand.
“We gotta go then!” Michael exclaimed, his eyes wide.
I smiled at him. He was such a smart boy.
“Let’s go pack some of our stuff and then go, okay?”
“Okay!”
***
“Thanks for letting us stay Auntie,” I said.
“No worries my darling, anything for my favorite niece,” Auntie said.
“Don’t say that, people will get jealous,” I joked.
We both laughed. Auntie was preparing some tea while Michael was in the other room playing with the toys we had brought along with us.
“Sugar or milk?” Auntie asked.
“Neither, thank you,” I said.
I grabbed the teddy bear mug from Auntie and blew onto the tea, attempting to cool it a little. I placed it on the coaster on the dining room table and turned to my Aunt.
“You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to,” Auntie said.
I smiled at her. “Thank you, but I do need your advice on this,” I said.
“What is it?” Auntie asked.
“It’s my new agent, Justin,” I explained. “He’s taking advantage of his models.”
“Oh my, that’s terrible,” Auntie gasped.
“I’m wondering if I need evidence before going to the police,” I said.
“You might…” Auntie said.
“I don’t have any, but I can’t go back to work now, not after what happened today.”
Auntie looked at me with sympathy. “I’m glad you’re so worried for the other girls,” Auntie said.
“I’m glad I realized what was going on before it was too late,” I admitted. “There was something wrong with Justin. He just gave me the heebie-jeebies.”
“Listen to your gut, darling, it’s almost always right.”
“I wish I had listened from the beginning.”
“You didn’t know.”
“I wish I had. Then I could have put a recording app on my phone or something in order to prove to the police what had happened.”
“We can only do so much. I still think you should take this to the police, even if you don’t have evidence.”
“I might take it up with the Agency’s top dog too… I just hope she’s not in on it,” I said.
“Do both,” Auntie said.
“I will,” I sighed. “Thank you so much for letting us stay here, Auntie.”
“Anything you need, just ask. I want you to stay safe, Rachel,” Auntie said with a smile.
I smiled back at her. I was so lucky to have a family member who was so supportive. I could hear Michael in the other room trying to make train sound effects and it made me laugh. I could definitely do this. I could make it through.
I didn’t go home for the next couple of months. Instead, I focused on getting a part time job and helping Auntie out around the house. I spent quite a bit of time with Michael and I never told anyone what had happened with Justin. I was afraid that if something got out, people would take Michael from me. After all, I was a single mother who could hardly take care of herself.
***
Have you met any nice boys lately?” Auntie asked.
“Not really…” I lied.
“I can tell you’re lying, you know,” Auntie scolded.
I laughed. “I met a guy at a party,” I admitted.
“And when was that?” she asked.
“Five years ago,” I answered.
Auntie put down the knife that she was chopping vegetables with. “Michael’s father?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Does he know yet?” Auntie wondered.
“No, I was never able to find him,” I said.
Silence overcame us in the kitchen as the potatoes started to boil.
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“I’m sorry, Rachel,” Auntie said.
“What for?” I asked.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
I smiled at her. “I wasn’t alone in it, you were there for me,” I said.
Auntie laughed. “I’m no handsome man, though!” she exclaimed. She continued to chop the vegetables and readied the pan. “I want you to be happy, Rachel,” Auntie said, “no matter what.”
“Thanks,” I said with gratitude.
We continued to cook in silence. I was happy with where I was, even without Shawn. I was somewhere where someone cared for me and wanted me to have the best in life. Without Auntie, I would have no idea what I’d do with myself. I’d probably make some terrible decisions and have no money at all. Now I was working at a clothing store part time to make some pocket money while Auntie covered the food and housing bill.
Auntie wasn’t married. Well, she was, but then her husband passed away. She had always wanted kids but after the second miscarriage she gave up. She applied to adopt but they wouldn’t allow it with the little amount of money she was making (even though she had a lot saved up just for the kid’s education). I don’t know how she remained so positive through her life but somehow she did, and I really wanted to live my life like Auntie would. I wanted to chase my dreams and take whatever life throws at me. I wanted to go out swinging.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Shawn”
“There’s been sightings suggesting there’s another dragon shifter,” said Missy.
“Another dragon shifter?” I questioned, “There’s absolutely no way.”
“You know those storms when you get angry?” Missy asked.
“Yeah,” I answered.
“Well, a similar one was sighted in London last week. It was only just over a 20 meter distance and lasted for approximately 5 minutes,” Missy said.
“Another dragon shifter…” I mused. “I seriously doubt it.”
“It’s worth checking out, Shawn,” Missy said.
“That’s true…” I muttered, “When I have time I’ll check out the area. Can you send me the exact coordinates?”
